Christian livingGospelObedienceProvision

Cliffhanger Of Love

I’ve had my share of long and frustrating days that seem to drag on forever as I seek to love, serve, and disciple some pretty ungrateful sinners.   Yet, I can not begin to comprehend how Jesus was feeling as He endured the most unbearable, longest and darkest day in history. 

What made it long, dark, and unbearable?  Here’s a quick list:

1. Judas’ betraying kiss

2. Peter’s still impulsive behavior after years of teaching 

3. Disciples all abandon Him

4. Three Jewish trials

5. Peter denies Him

6. Three Roman trials

7. Jesus is beaten/scourged beyond recognition

8. Via Dolorosa – the way to the cross

9. Crucifixion and even more pain and mocking

10. Separation from His Father 

All who had put their hope in Him must have been in shock to watch the One who had healed so many now cling to the cross that would take His life.  To watch Him experience this physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain must have been gut wrenching.  Hearing Him cry out to God and asking why He was forsaken, breaks my heart even now. 

Their mind had simply cast out Jesus’ previous instruction that He must die.  Like Peter, their minds were focused on the things of man and not God.  One could say this was the ultimate cliff hanger, unhappy ending and disappointment.  

For the hope of the resurrection and demonstration of Christ’s love was not fully experienced or understood. They simply new that He had died.  

Reflection

Looking back with 20-20 vision(God’s word), we can confidently, experience the powerful love demonstrated at the cross.

Spend some time today reading:

Matthew 26:36-27:61

Mark 14:43-15:47

Luke 22:40-23:56

John 18:1-19:42

Spend some time meditating:

The price paid

The pain/separation endured

What your response is today as a result

Prayer

Father, You have withheld nothing from us. Your love was on display that all may see and yet at first they did not.  Help us to know the depths of the price paid this day, that Your love may dwell richly in us for You and for Your people.  May it move us to action today to reach those is need even in this hour.  We pray this in the victorious Savior, Jesus, Amen!

One thought on “Cliffhanger Of Love

  1. Each of the items on the list are horrific and I don’t think any of us could have survived that list. However, I don’t think that even all of those thing listed are nearly as burdensome as bearing all the guilt, shame, fear, hurt, loneliness etc. that He bore. I remember feeling great shame over something I had done. My shame almost killed me. I realized that Jesus bore everyone’s shame and guilt and fear etc. I think this is what killed Him even though I know that physically he suffocated. For this reason alone I want to live a holy life so back in time He didn’t have to suffer any more on my behalf.

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